Sweet and Tangy: A Guide to Making Candied Lemon Peel

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add a zesty touch to your desserts, then making candied lemon peel is a great option. It’s simple to make and adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to any dish. In this article, we’ll show you how to make candied lemon peel using just a few ingredients.

Candied lemon peel is a great way to use up leftover lemon peel, which can often go to waste. It’s perfect for adding to cakes, cupcakes, and tarts, as well as garnishing cocktails and hot beverages. Plus, the process of making it is incredibly easy, and you can store the candied lemon peel for up to a month, making it a great snack to have on hand. Let’s get started on how to make candied lemon peel!

10 Pro Tips for making Delicious Candied Lemon Peel

1. Start with Fresh Lemons

The first and most important step to making fresh and delicious candied lemon peel is to start with fresh lemons. The fresher the lemons, the better the end result will be. Look for ripe lemons that are plump, juicy, and firm to the touch.

2. Wash the Lemons Thoroughly

Before getting started with the candying process, it is essential to wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or residues. Use warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly to ensure that the peels are clean and free of any impurities.

3. Remove the Skin Using a Peeler

To get the most out of the lemons, use a sharp peeler to remove the skin without any white pith. Cut the lemons into quarters to make this process easier. Once removed, slice the peel into thin strips and set aside.

4. Blanch the Lemon Peels

Blanching the lemon peels is important to remove any bitterness. Bring a pot of water to boil and add the lemon peels. Let them blanch for about 5 minutes and then strain them off. Repeat this process two more times, and then let them cool.

5. Cook the Lemon Peels in Simple Syrup

The next step is to cook the blanched lemon peels in simple syrup. Prepare the simple syrup by mixing equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heat on medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon peels and let them cook until the syrup thickens and coats the peels.

6. Use a Candy Thermometer

To ensure the perfect consistency, a candy thermometer is required during the process of making candied lemon peels. The temperature should reach 240°F to ensure the desired texture.

7. Add Flavor Variations

To add different flavors, experiment with different ingredients to the simple syrup mixture, like vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, or even some spirits like rum or brandy.

8. Dry the Lemon Peels Completely

Once the lemon peels are cooked and coated in sugar, it’s important to dry them properly. Use a wire rack coated with a layer of granulated sugar, a much easier way to dry than using parchment paper. Let the peels dry for at least a day.

9. Store Them Properly

To store the candied lemon peels to maintain their freshness, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This way, they can be enjoyed for weeks and even months.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Candied lemon peels are a great garnish for desserts, an addition to cocktails, or a sweet snack on their own. Add them to cheesecakes, truffles or scones to take your dish to the next level.

Now that you know the tips and tricks for making the perfect candied lemon peels, it’s time to put them to the test. We guarantee that with these steps, you’ll end up with delicious candied lemon peels every time.

Get Creative with Candied Lemon Peel: 10 Unique Recipe Ideas

If you’ve made candied lemon peel before, you know it’s a mouth-watering treat that can add a burst of flavor to any recipe. It’s versatile, easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are ten unique recipe ideas that will inspire you to get creative with your candied lemon peel.

1. Lemonade with a Twist

Take your homemade lemonade up a notch with a candied lemon peel twist. Add a strip of candied peel to the rim of each glass, then mix up the lemonade fresh. You’ll get a subtle lemon flavor mixed with a sweet and slightly sticky texture.

2. Citrus Salad

Toss together a refreshing citrus salad with candied lemon peel as a topping. Combine oranges, grapefruit, and lemon slices with your favorite greens. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese and a handful of chopped walnuts, then top it all off with your homemade candied lemon peel.

3. Sweet and Savory Chicken

Mix together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce and your signature spices to create a sticky glaze for chicken. Top it off with strips of candied lemon peel for a sweet and savory meal.

4. Candied Lemon Peels Coated in Chocolate

Dip candied lemon peel pieces in melted chocolate for a decadent treat. It’s an excellent way to add a dash of chocolate to your candied lemon peel bites.

5. Candied Lemon Cake

Add candied lemon peel to your favorite cake recipe for a unique twist on a classic dessert. Use the candied peel to decorate the top of the cake or mix it into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

6. Lemon Meringue Pie

Add candied lemon peel to the top of your meringue in a classic lemon meringue pie recipe. It’s an easy way to add a little bit of crunch to the fluffy goodness.

7. Lemon Poppyseed Scones

Sprinkle candied lemon peel pieces on top of your freshly baked lemon poppyseed scones. It’s a delicious way to add a burst of flavor to your morning coffee break.

8. Candied Lemon Ice Cream

Mix chopped candied peel into your homemade ice cream for a tangy and sweet treat. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.

9. Baked Pineapple

Top sliced pineapples with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon before baking. Crumble bits of candied lemon peel over the top for a tropical twist.

10. Lemon Martini

Add a strip of candied lemon peel to the rim of your lemon martini glass for a sweet and tangy sip. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day.

In conclusion, candied lemon peel is a versatile ingredient that can add a burst of flavor, texture, and color to all kinds of recipes. Give these unique recipe ideas a try, and you’ll never look at lemon peel the same way again.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Candied Lemon Peel

Candied lemon peel is a great way to incorporate citrus flavors into your desserts or snacks. While it may seem daunting to make your own candied peel, it’s actually quite a simple process that requires minimal ingredients and effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make candied lemon peel:

1. Prep the Lemons

Before starting, ensure that you have fresh, organic lemons. Wash them thoroughly and slice off the top and bottom of each lemon. Cut the lemon into 4 or 6 sections (depending on the size) and remove the flesh with a knife or a spoon.

2. Slice the Peels

Once the flesh has been removed, use a sharp knife to slice the peel into thin, even strips. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch. If the strips are too thick, it will take longer to cook and the texture may not be as pleasant.

3. Blanch the Peels

Place the sliced peels in a pot of boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Drain the peels and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Blanching the peels will help remove any bitter taste and soften them.

4. Cook the Peels in Simple Syrup

In a saucepan, mix together equal parts of sugar and water. For example, if you use 1 cup of sugar, add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Add the blanched peels to the saucepan and let them cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peels should become translucent and the syrup should thicken.

5. Dry and Store the Candied Lemon Peel

Using a slotted spoon, remove the candied peels from the syrup and lay them out on a wire rack to dry. This may take several hours. Once the peels are dry, separate any strips that may be stuck together and toss them in granulated sugar. Store the candied lemon peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months.

In conclusion, learning how to make candied lemon peel is a simple process that can add a unique twist to your desserts or snacks. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing treat that is perfect for any occasion. So, why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newly acquired culinary skills!

That’s it, now you know!

I hope you found this article explaining how to make candied lemon peel helpful and interesting. I encourage you to give it a try yourself, as it’s an easy and fun way to add a bit of zesty sweetness to your baked goods. Thanks for taking the time to read, and remember to check back soon for more kitchen adventures! Happy cooking!